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• FAQ: How has community feedback inspired design?

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  Community engagement has been a crucial part of the hospital replacement project since day one. Through online engagement, in-person events, and working groups, we gathered community input to ensure the new space would be welcoming and culturally safe for all.

  We are so grateful for the feedback we’ve received along the way, and it has shaped how the hospital has been built.

  When we asked what would make the hospital culturally safe, you said:

  • Representation of the seasons of the year, keeping with Dakelh culture and worldview
  • Representation of nature, since it’s healing and welcoming to all cultures
  • Windows to the outside to provide natural light and views to the sky, lake, and trees
  • Room to come together to drink, eat, celebrate, and grieve as a community
  • Fire is important
  • Circles on ceiling (representing drums) in spiritual spaces

  So, what does that look like in practice?

  
  

  Representation of the seasons and nature

  The final colour palette for the facility showcases the beauty of Fort St. James’ transitioning seasons to identify different areas of the hospital. The hospital features two colour schemes inspired by warmth and frost. Visit our FAQ about the colour palette to learn more.

  
  

  Other than bringing nature-inspired colours and finishes into the facility, the most exciting way we’re showcasing the natural beauty of Fort St James is by letting it speak for itself…

  
  

  Windows and natural light

  …and the best way to do that? Big, beautiful windows throughout the facility!

  Natural light is a priority in the new build, so you’ll notice large windows with picturesque views throughout each department. Virtually all the windows in the new hospital feature views of the mountains, the lake, the forest, or gardens.

  
  

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Hallway in Long Term Care, a window in Primary Care, the front entrance of the hospital, and a patient room in Long Term Care

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Room to come together to celebrate and to grieve as a community (fire is important)

  Bringing loved ones together is important, so we’ve ensured there’s lots of room to do so in the new hospital and health centre.

  A Gathering Space has been created with tables and chairs to gather for meals, card games, or other activities – all built around a standalone fireplace.

  In Long Term Care, there is a relaxing lounge in the common area for residents and family to visit each other, featuring a built-in fireplace.

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Gathering Space, April progress photo of the Gathering Space, Rendering of the common lounge area in Long Term Care

  
  

  A palliative care suite has been developed that has two separate spaces: one large room for patient care, and another adjoining room where family can stay with a kitchenette. The palliative suite opens onto the Healing Garden where culturally important plants and trees will grow. The doors in the palliative care suite are wide enough that a bed can be wheeled all the way out to enjoy the garden.

  
  

  Pictured left to right: Family room in palliative care with adjoining patient room, Rendering of the Healing Garden

  
  

  We understand how hard it can be when a loved one passes on. In the morgue, there is a quiet room where families can gather and take as much time as needed, surrounded by art.

  
  

  Circles on ceiling and smudging in spiritual spaces

  The Spiritual Space is available to all who visit the hospital, and the design has been heavily influenced by the feedback we received. In addition to a large window looking out to gardens, the space features circle shapes on the ceiling and has been constructed to accommodate smudging.

  Rather than only adding the circle shapes in the Spiritual Space, lighting resembling drums has been added throughout the facility – especially in Long Term Care.

  Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Spiritual Space, April progress photo of the Spiritual Space, Rendering of Long Term Care dining area

  
  

  Thank you to everyone who has shared their input on the hospital replacement project so far! Soon, we will begin the process to select art for the facility. If you are interested in joining our art committee, please reach out to letstalkSLH@northernhealth.ca.

  
  

  
  

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• Concept to Reality

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  Watching images come to life is always an exciting thing. Recently, the project team for the new Stuart Lake Hospital got to do just that with a site tour to see the in-progress construction. Going through the framed structure, it's easy to see the concept plan coming to life before our eyes.

  Just take a look for yourself. This is the final concept rendering for the front of the new hospital:

  

  And this is the under-construction new hospital. You can see the overhang from the main entrance coming to life in this photo. You can also see the size of the new facility, which is drastically larger than the current facility.

  

  We look forward to sharing more photos with you as the build progresses. And don't forget, you can take a look at the progress at any time through our construction camera.

• Hospital Highlight: Palliative Care

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  Early on in the conversation about the new Stuart Lake Hospital, when we were first talking to community and Indigenous leaders from Fort St. James and the surrounding area about palliative care, we learned from you that end of life is a time for community and family to gather. We heard that space is necessary to accommodate all those who come to witness death, to pay their respects, and to grieve together; we heard that death is a time to follow protocol, to call on ceremony and connection to see us through the time of death and to see those we love leave this world and move on. We are grateful for the stories you shared and for how generously we were welcomed to experience death with you and to learn from you so we can do better.

  Because of the teachings offered us and the care shown by the community, we have been able to create a palliative suite at the new Stuart Lake Hospital that will be a welcoming and comforting space when end of life times come. Some of the features of this space are described below.

  With windows and doors to the outside and views to the lake and the forests, the palliative care area has access to a garden full of local, culturally significant plantings and spaces where people can gather and sit together.

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  The palliative care area also includes a patient room and a family lounge area. In the lounge, chairs and a table are available, as well as seats that recline for sleeping, a family washroom, and a fridge and microwave to use to ensure you feel comfortable during your visit.

  
  

• Quick Peeks and Previews

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  Construction of the Stuart Lake Replacement Hospital is just around the corner, and while design is not complete, we're excited to provide a quick peek at some of preview material from the design team!

  
  

  

  
  

  Keep in mind these images may change, but take a moment to enjoy a visual of the new front and side approaches to the hospital.

  
  

  

  
  Design has progressed since this older image, but it gives a good idea of the new hospital placement. You'll have to ignore the courtyards - they've been removed since this image was produced - but if you spend some time with this rendering you'll see how the new hospital is situated in the neighbourhood and will be able to imagine where the views from inside the building and from the patios and gardens will land.

  
  

  

  
  

  While construction starts and design progresses, we'll be looking for your input on different aspects of the new hospital. We'll create opportunities to connect here on Let's Talk and in person - at open houses and other events - as the weather and the pandemic allow.

  Keep in touch and stay up-to-date on the project! We're glad you're following along to watch the new Stuart Lake Hospital take shape.